38. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with regard to the Treasury payments to the clergy of the Established Church of Scotland on l5th May and on 29th September, whether the payment on 29th September represents the sum due for the half-year ending on the Scottish term of Martinmas, 11th November; and, if so, whether any steps are taken to prevent misunderstanding on this subject at the time of paying?
§ Mr. McKENNAI would refer my hon. Friend to Section 11 of the Act 60, Geo. III., cap. 84, which provides that the sums in question "shall be payable by two half-yearly payments at the terms of Whitsunday and Michaelmas in each year." There is no mention of Martinmas. The forms of receipt signed by the ministers to whom payment is made each September are in respect of payment "for the half-year to Michaelmas"
§ Mr. McKENNAI think substantially they are half-years.
§ Mr. McKENNASubstantially six months.